Progress Illinois

The expansion of Medicaid eligibility through Gov. Pat Quinn's Health Care Implementation Council in Springfield says that the federal health-care reform will give the state “leverage to really demand high quality from our health-care providers.” Julie Hamos, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, estimates that up to 800,000 new Illinoisans could be added to the program, which is being expanded in 2014 to include anyone making less than 133 percent of the poverty level.

Robyn Gabel, director of the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition and a statehouse veteran, was appointed yesterday to fill the 18th district seat vacated by Julie Hamos. On Friday, the new North Suburban lawmaker vowed to support House Bill 174 should House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) call the bill for a vote.

An Illinois House committee has approved a measure that would let residents carry concealed firearms.